Also known as Corgsky, Horgi, and Siborgi, the Corgi Husky mix is one of the rarest and most sought-after designer dogs in the world. This cross-breed is a mix of the Welsh Corgi and the Siberian Husky—and they’re as adorable as you might expect. They’re basically tiny Huskies!
If you’re planning to welcome a Corgsky into your home or are simply interested in the crossbreed, this article is for you. Here, I’ll discuss the Corgi Husky mix’s history, temperament, grooming requirements, and more.
Let’s get right into it!
Brief Overview of the Corgi Husky Mix
The Corgi Husky Mix was developed during the advent of designer dogs roughly 25 years ago.
First-generation Corgskies were bred from a pure Welsh Corgi male and a pure Siberian Husky female. The resulting litter was a success; the pups had the small stature of their father and the fierce fox-like face of their mother. They were perfect for families that love Huskies but cannot care for or house a large dog.
Specifically bred for companionship, Corgskies take on the best qualities of both parents. They’re as playful and lively as Corgis, and as friendly and affectionate as Siberian Huskies.
Based on the generation, Corgski pups can cost anywhere between $650 to upwards of $2,000. Second generation or later sell for much more.
To learn more about Corgskies, we need to look into their breed origin: Welsh Corgis and Siberian Huskies.
Welsh Corgis
Welsh Corgis are small-to-medium-sized dogs that were specifically bred to herd cattle, horses, and sheep. They were also used to chase off potential predators and trespassing herds, as well as provide an area for grazing.
Corgis were recognized by the English Kennel Club in the 1920s, but their origins can be traced as far back as 1107 AD. They originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, brought in aboriginal form by Flemish tribes that migrated to Wales from central Europe.
Corgis are divided into two breed classifications: Pembroke Welsh Corgis, which came from the Spitz dog family, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, which came from the Teckel dog family.
Both Corgi types were nearly identical in appearance; they both have short legs, upright ears, heavy and long bodies, and large heads.
However, Cardigans have fox-like tails while Pembrokes have tails tucked into their bodies. Cardigans also have rounded ears, larger bodies, and rotund rears, whereas Pembrokes have squared-off rears that make them look more rectangular and linear.
For a time, Pembrokes and Cardigans were considered one and the same. It was only in 1934 that they were officially recognized as a separate breed.
Shortly after the separation of breeds in 1934, Catherine Bowes-Lyon, soon-to-be Queen Mother, welcomed a Pembroke into the House of Windsor for her daughters Margaret and Elizabeth.
This brought great fame to the breed, forming famous kennels such as Peggy Gamble’s Blends line, Thelma Gray’s Rozavel kennel, Pat Curties’s Lees, and more.
Modern Corgis
Though still fully capable, modern-day Corgis have rarely seen herding cattle. They’re bred for companionship and canine events like obedience, conformation, agility, and tracking. Because of their high-energy, intelligence, and responsiveness, they’re highly sought after as family pets.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are graceful, athletic dogs with outgoing, independent personalities. They’re arguably the most popular Russian dog breed in the world, known for their wolfish looks, fluffy coats, and goofy personalities.
Despite popular belief, Siberian Huskies aren’t wolf-hybrids. They come from an ancient lineage of mountain dogs that dates back over 4,000 years. They were brought in by the Churchi tribe in northern Siberia and treated as a part of the family.
In 1909, several tribesmen brought these Chukchi dogs to Alaska to complete a long-distance race. Though they were much smaller than other dog breeds that completed the race, the Husky team won third place. From there, Siberian Huskies became a staple in sled-dog races.
Siberian Huskies received global recognition in 1925 when a diphtheria epidemic broke out in the isolated town of Nome, Alaska.
To contain the epidemic, the town needed a life-saving anti-toxin—but there was just one problem: the facility that had the serum was over 600 miles away. A group of Siberian Huskies braved the unforgiving storm to transport the anti-toxins back to Nome, which subsequently saved the people from the epidemic.
This life-saving journey inspired the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. To further commemorate the heroic act, a statue of the Siberian Husky that completed the run, Balto, was erected in Central Park in New York City that same year.
In 1930, Siberian Huskies were formally recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club). Eight years later, the breed was registered in both the UK and Canada.
Modern Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are still used as sled dogs, but they’re mostly raised as companion dogs in most countries. They consistently rank in the Top 20 most popular dogs in the US according to the AKC.
Corgi Husky Mix Characteristics: Size, Training, and Temperament
Corgi Husky Mixes take on the dominant traits of their parents, so there’s no “one-size-fits-all” description of these dogs.
However, these are the qualities that most Corgi Husky Mixes have:
Size and Weight
Corgi Husky Mixes usually take after the Corgi parent in terms of size and weight. They have short legs, round bodies, and rotund rears. They stand anywhere between 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 20 to 50 pounds. This makes them a good alternative for those who can’t manage a purebred Husky’s size.
Appearance
Corgi Husky mixes have fox-like heads, almond-shaped eyes, and mostly upright ears. They often look like miniature versions of Huskies.
They have a heavy double coat that can either be long and thick like Corgis or dense and straight like Huskies. They shed quite a bit, which doesn’t come as a surprise as both Corgis and Huskies are heavy shedders.
This crossbreed shed all year round and even more heavily during peak shedding seasons. As such, Corgi Husky Mixes aren’t considered hypoallergenic. Those planning to get this dog should consider investing in a high-quality vacuum to suck up fur from carpets, clothes, and furniture.
The coloration of Corgskies can be unpredictable. Some pups are born with a mix of their parent breed’s color characteristics, while others take on after one parent. They can be sable, fawn, red, or tan from their Corgi lineage, or agouti, black, or gray from the Siberian Husky lineage. Some even inherit the Husky “mask” that pure Siberian Huskies have.
The same is said for their eyes. Corgskies can have brown or blue eyes or a mix of both.
Temperament and Personality
Like their pure-breed parents, Corgskies are loyal, outgoing, and intelligent. They have a sweet and playful temperament, making them suitable candidates for big families and families with children.
They’re friendly but not overly so, especially with strangers. They may not be the best guard dog, but they won’t hesitate to protect you from harm if need be.
Corgskies are social dogs. They love being around people and other dogs, especially when trained from a young age.
These dogs are incredibly active, as well. They need to partake in physically and mentally stimulating activities to burn energy, lest they develop destructive behaviors.
Training
Corgskies are easy to train but they’re also fiercely independent.
They aren’t the most subservient of dogs, so they may require patience and a firm hand during training.
Consistency and repetition are essential for proper training. If you’re inexperienced with dog training, you might need to ask for the help of a firm handler who can assert their authority.
Like most dogs, Corgskies respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training, which includes treats and verbal praise.
Exercise
Corgskies are high-energy dogs, so it’s important that they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical exercise each day, which can consist of walks, hikes, runs, and fetch. Two short walks per day of around 15 to 30 minutes each are recommended.
Due to their innate instinct to hunt, Corgskies tend run off on their own to chase a squirrel or similar animal. As such, they shouldn’t be left alone outside unless they’re trained to find their way back home.
Around Children
Corgskies are known for their loving, affectionate personalities. They’re gentle and careful around children, making them wonderful childhood companions.
That said, they should still be given proper training and socialization before being left alone with a child.
Because of their natural instinct to herd, they tend to nip at the heels of kids if they want their attention. And since they’re full of energy and enthusiasm, their presence might be a tad too overwhelming for a young child.
Corgi Husky Mix Grooming Needs
When it comes to grooming, Corgi Husky mixes are relatively high-maintenance.
Their coats need to be brushed several times a week to avoid shedding and clumping, with some needing daily attention.
They also need to be bathed once every four to eight weeks with good dog shampoo to achieve a soft, shiny, and healthy coat. Regular and consistent grooming is vital to maintaining healthy skin and coat and minimizing shedding.
Bathing a Corgski isn’t an easy task because their coat is naturally resistant to water, so bath time alone can take upwards of 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Drying is also difficult due to the sheer thickness of their coat.
Like other breeds, Corgskies’ teeth should be brushed a few times a week to ensure they have a mouth full of healthy teeth well into their adult years. As for their nails, they need to be trimmed at least once a month. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you hear the tell-tale tap-tap-tap of their nails on the floor.
Corgskies’ ears must also be checked and wiped down regularly with a damp cotton ball.
Common Health Issues Seen In the Corgi Husky Mix
Though generally healthy, Corgskies aren’t immune to certain health problems, particularly those that their breeds are predisposed to. These include:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal conditions in dogs.
Though often seen in giant breeds, it can occur in smaller breeds, too—as seen in Corgskies.
This condition occurs during a dog’s growth stage. It results in the loosening of the hip joint or the abnormal formation of the hip socket. In severe cases, it can cause lameness, arthritis, and muscle atrophy.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia include:
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty rising, running, jumping, playing, or climbing up the stairs
- Wobbly movements
- Limping even without previous trauma or injury
- Audible cracking or popping sounds from the joints
- “Bunny hopping” while running
Though incurable, pain can be minimized through physical therapy, changes in diet, joint medication, and surgical treatment.
Hip dysplasia doesn’t shorten a dog’s life. As long as the dog receives proper care and treatment, he should live a long life even with the disease.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is similar to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in humans. It’s a disease that affects the dog’s spinal cord, causing progressive loss of coordination and muscle weakness.
Symptoms include:
- Worn nails
- Difficulty rising, moving, and playing
- Scuffing hind feet
- Progressive weakness of hind limbs
- Crossing rear legs
- Knuckling (walking on knuckles)
- Stumbling and tripping when walking
Unfortunately, Degenerative Myelopathy is an incurable disease.
Dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy have an average lifespan of one to two years from diagnosis.
Active treatment, such as selected assistive equipment, intensive physical rehabilitation, and changes in diet, can extend a dog’s lifespan by up to three years.
Wrap Up
The Corgi Husky Mix is one of the most adorable and fun-loving designer breeds in the world.
Intelligent, playful, and athletic, this crossbreed is a wonderful choice for families with small to medium-sized homes and families with children.
These dogs are extremely active, so they’re best suited for pet parents with active lifestyles. They need at least 60 minutes of exercise a day to release pent-up energy, lest they develop destructive behaviors.